Asheville, North Carolina SperlingViews

"Asheville has pros and cons"

We investigated Asheville, and found the cost of living at this point to be at the national average. Real estate has flopped like everywhere else, so very reasonable cost of living. The mountain people were excited for awhile during the time when prices were going up, but now their bubble is burst. Billy Bob can't cash in his shack to buy an annuity to live on. Shucks, darn. In fact, Billy Bob not only can't sell his shack/home, but now he is having trouble finding work. There are some beautiful homes there for sale that have been built in the last 10 years that will probably sell before Billy Bob's mountain shack, and some on very large lots outside of the city. There are very good restaurants there, nice hotels, and good Bible churches. We find this town quaint, and plenty of opportunities. However, N.C. taxes are bad for retirees (extra capital gains tax, income tax, bad sales tax), so can't say that Asheville is an ideal retirement spot. If North Carolina would get rid of taxes like Florida did, it would be booming. If they'll ever vote in a Democratic governor........

Where Asheville is a neat place and I enjoyed living there for 3 years. The cons are... its a minum wage town and hard to find work in most fields. Way over priced rent for an old ran down dump. Most craigs posting for apts and house rentals are scammers listing hundreds lower stealing legit postings off other sites.
Do not walk alone downtown at night especially after 10 pm extra especially if female for youre asking to get mugged and they beat you up.
Police allow drug dealers!!!!! Our neighborhood in west side otherwise great location had problems with a big time heavy traffic dealer and their pit bulls attacking kids and adults... i escaped with my small dog getting inside by an inch.... police said theyve been watching for 4 years and know whats going on!!!!! Yet wont arrest!
While Asheville has a huge lesbian population.... if you're gay be careful who you tell at work for youre at risk losing your job! Its happened to me twice including home depot filing sexual discrimmination. The country areas like canton, arden and fletcher.... best to be in the closet for most jobs. In fact if youre straight and married or single with kids... they get promoted and raises and they discrimminate single people without kids.
Its a huge bible belt town... a church at nearly every block. Even hard rock radio stayions many commercials advertise a church. However if you need help some christain churches will try to help even if youre gay and arent christain which is a good thing.
Out in town for a couple drinks??? Beware if you have 2 or more. Even 1!!! Most bars inform police to pull you over because they get tax write offs. Bartenders etc get paid and/or favors. Theres even people not working for a bar that will scout you and follow you to see if you drive. Ok... i dont support drunk driving... i dont drive drunk. I own a camper van. If i drink over limit i rest in van. One day i drank 2 on a patio and leaving noticed i was stalked. Guy pulled over and stared seeing if id leave for 15 minutes. This is harrassment and i wasnt over the limit!! I jyst spyed watching him watch me and he parked illegally.
Food is over priced in grocery stores... they say due to mountains. 7 bucks for a frozen tombstone at ingles.
Beware of carrier park taking your dogs there! It use to be a medical dump site and they left most needles and toxins there and covered with top soil. Ive spent many hundreds on antis and steroid shots on my dog getting sick after a walk. Never going back.
Do not raft or eat fish from any river!!' All are contaminated and they found new posions not knowing what or where it came from last year.
Its hard to make good friendships there. Many are closed off regardless how cool you are.
I moved out a few months ago as most people i know have to.

In moving to Asheville from a Los Angeles beach community where I'd lived all my life, I was hoping for some-
thing considerably different. I had previously visited the city in 2002 and found it pleasant and slow-paced. I
thought that it would be a nice place to retire to. Since then, development and revitalization have created a bustling city like so many others. People here are astonished when I tell them that the vibe is now very much like
Los Angeles except, of course, on a much smaller scale. People here are intolerably rude when rushing around in their vehicles--many talking on their cell phones which North Carolina law allows them to do. Traffic is terrible in the afternoon and early evening. In essence, the stress of getting from one place to another is similar to that in L.A. When out and about, it's hard to appreciate the beauty of the mountains. Naturally, many are attracted to
Asheville because of the amenities it now offers--many restaurants and entertainment venues. Personally, I don't like going out that much and prefer quiet evenings at home. If you're looking for Southern hospitality and
graciousness, you'll have to excavate to find it. After almost two years, I hardly know any of my neighbors and have found that those who have stepped forward to befriend me were only users. Finally, getting contractors to do work on my house has been a nightmare. Nobody returns calls or will commit themselves. Though I've been
researching smaller North Carolina towns where the winters are milder than here, I've not started packing yet until I'm absolutely certain that Asheville isn't for me.

I have lived here since 2004 and watched what was once a nice place go down the proverbial toilet. It has always been over priced and pretentious regarding the cultural offerings however now we have gangs, meth, rape, murder and home invasions along with unemployment and yet people continue to move here? Why? The cost of living is horrendous.

I have lived here for six months now. At first I thought it was beautiful. All kinds of people here told me I would not have a problem at all with seasonal affective disorder or SAD. Well, there are more grey days and mornings here than I thought possible. The whole town looks pretty dumpy and depressing in this low light and you just feel boxed in if you are from places that you can see horizons and really large mountains and wide open areas. It also rains a lot. I knew this, thought I could handle it coming from Colorado, but I could not. It is often cold and rainy or temperate and rainy.
Health care is hard to find, especially if you find you need a psychiatrist because you got so depressed. Pisgah Institute is the worst, but they will find room for you.
An odd mix of people here mixed in with the locals who have been here much longer is surreal at times to me. Hippies that don't bathe, hipsters, local people in dirty clothes, bible-thumpers, new agers, crunchy vegan types, lesbians and gays, and senior citizens abound. I have nothing against any of these groups of people, but after a while I feel like that is mostly what there is here. It seems mostly this place is for a certain type and mold to fit into.
Dating is probably a wash here from what I have heard and just noticed myself joining many meetup groups. There is a hidden element of desperate crime with home break-ins and muggings in places you think might be safe - especially in West Asheville. Just get on the Facebook WAX group and you realize some of the mentality/predicatments here and how it can get desperate and sketchy. Lots of drug addiction here (I think heroine) and quite the congested place as far as traffic goes (but still easy to get around.)
I wish I had spent more time here or signed a shorter lease. As far as schools go, probably forget it from what I have heard....I would investigate seriously for the sake of your children. Also, this town doesn't even have a "college town" feel, which I was hoping it might.
As someone else mentioned in another review, they feel like this place has been visited by Invasion of the Body Snatchers because many people just seem so withdrawn, non-vibrant, and vacant. At first I thought he was nuts, but then started to get the same vibe myself. Must be the grey gloom and rain around here. Another reviewer likened this place to being in a Twilight Zone and then another one, a Stephen King novel/movie from which there is no escape. I totally get that after six months here.
And most everyone smokes here which is also just so backwards and depressing to me. They throw their cig butts out all over the place too.
The good things are that it is easy to get around here, the people can be friendly, good farmer's markets, there are good restaurants, in spring, summer, and fall it is very pretty and lots of places to hike, but I find hiking too cold and muddy in the winter, though people still go. It is also easy to meet people if you join meetup.com, but I would say dating would be hard here if you are 30'-40's.
Sorry to come off as judgmental, but I am trying to warn people who come from more truly liberal and progressive places with more cultural and industry variety - maybe from out West - to think long and hard and visit for a while before you decide. Visit in the winter as well. The culture shock might be a bit much as well, as it has been for me.
And definitely don't come unless you can bring your own job.
Asheville does have some great things about it, but I see it as a place to come do some soul-searching, personal growth activities, slow down a little, and then leave when you are ready. I had heard that as well - that many people come here, do some soul-searching (as this area seems to promote that in a way) and then leave once they are done. If you are a retiree and can handle a lot of rain and grey for many months, this place would be perfect for you. Lots of active older people doing cool things. They actually inspire me.
Sorry to beat on this place in a way, as I think it has a lot to recommend it otherwise, but living here is hard on some souls and I wish I had taken the reviews I read more seriously and I am trying to sum up what I read and what I experienced to be true. Certain places are very overrated and not for everyone is all I am trying to say. And then there are many people here who feel they have finally found home....

Hello all,
Regular family with a nine yr old here looking to get away from the overcrowded and steamy S Fla. We've visited Asheville and really loved downtown, Biltmore, and the mountains; however, we don't know the area. We'd really appreciate any objective input from people in the know within a 20 mile radius. We highly value safe/healthy living, great schools, friendly people, and mountain views.
Thanks for your time.

We were thinking of relocating to the Asheville area (actually, to a town within 10-12 miles of Asheville as housing in the city is over our budget). Concerned about how people receive others coming from a different state. Ran into major problems when we relocated to a small town and were told our accents weren't 'southern charming' enough. Looking for some honest feedback. We are middle aged looking to buy a home and settle down. Need to be within a 20 minute commute for work, and looking for a town with good people who are willing to welcome us into the community. Looking for the best towns near Asheville for quality of life. Thanks for your comments.

I just spent some time in Asheville, and thought it was just "ok", but is one of the most over-rated cities I've been too. They really work hard to promote it as a progressive city. I guess since I was coming from the pacific northwest, it just doesn't compare to the beauty and forward-thinking of the west. I was hoping to love it, due to the climate and smaller size. So I'll continue my search (west of the rockies)!

Asheville: Slowest moving "city" in America. Driving through Western NC on either I-40, I-26 or I-240 can be absolutely maddening. If you are a typical driver from elsewhere, this experience could cause your blood to boil. Never have a I seen more drivers - and these are LOCAL drivers with NC plates - dilly dally around in the passing lane. Do the majority of WNC's citizens not realize that the LEFT lane is for faster, passing traffic? And by the way, to the middle aged and older women in Subarus (never have a I seen so many of these things) who think it is their responsibility or right to block the left lane to "teach other drivers a lesson:" Move the hell over! If I get a speeding ticket, that's my responsibility, not yours.

We moved to Asheville four years ago. Have lived in NY City, Philadelphia, St Louis, Rochester NY and Princeton, NJ - so can provide comparisons of culture and recreation with sophisticated areas. Asheville, for its size, has more to offer than the previously mentioned sites! Wonderful arts - including top-notch galleries, over 150 private studios in the River Arts District and in mountain retreats, fine symphony with members from all over the world, many good local bands (jazz, symphonic, etc.), many talented woodworkers,potters, musicians, etc. The arts are part of everyday life here. In addition, fantastic mountains, streams, lakes - fine fishing, hiking, biking, boating, golfing, birding, professional baseball, college sports. Good liberal arts colleges as well as strong community college system with over 20,000 students. Wonderful food - much of it grown or raised locally. The small, local breweries are something to behold - with a fine range of good beer, food and music. Friendly people. Minimal traffic (compared to what I was used to) and good roadways. Interesting architecture - particularly in Historic Montford and in mountain communities. Many writers and writing groups. Many music and arts festivals.
Overall, a wonderful place to live. One downside, except for healthcare workers, there are currently few jobs available that pay well. This could change as high tech is starting to sprout more positions.

Just was in Asheville as my husband has family there. Our encounters with people were in a nursing home and the Whole Foods. Hands down they both were friendlier than any organic store or medical facility where I live in Athens, GA. So you can't divide north and south. Every city is different. We have been looking at Franklin, TN and Atlanta to relocate to but now my husband loved Asheville so much this weekend he wants to move there now.

We are looking to relocate and are looking at Asheville at a possibility. Does anyone have some recent experience or information about Asheville? anything would be appreciated!! It looks good on paper but we would like some feedback. We are both going to be retired so jobs are not an issue. We will have a teenage son so schools are a concern. We are coming from California so are used to really high prices on EVERYTHING. So please keep that in mind when responding. Thanks to you all!!

I am getting a little nervous, I must say. I am relocating to Asheville in just a few months. I will be starting my student teaching (don't need comments about how there are no teaching jobs, that is nationwide, I will figure that part out on my won), but I am reading all these reviews on how it's such a terrible place to live. Can anyone tell me anything GOOD about the Asheville area and surrounding cities I may want to look into? I am 34, single, like nature and the city and am excited to meet some new people and hopefully make some new friends!

I absolutely love the beauty of Asheville, but I have found it nearly impossible to find employment that offers a living wage. I am contemplating a move to either Charlotte or Greenville, any feedback would be appreciated.

As of August 2011 Asheville is reeling from the economic depression America is in. There are virtually no living wage jobs to be had, businesses have closed, house prices are falling, & the pawn shops are full of people trying to raise cash to survive. This town hypes itself as a great place but it is only the scenery that lives up to the hype. Residential and car burglaries are up, including home invasion robberies. Don't be duped by local business organizations into moving here. Conduct your own research and think twice, or thrice!

I was only a visitor, but I really wanted to like Asheville. I went there several times thinking that I was going to live there. Some of the people were nice, but most were snotty. The realtors I worked with were lackluster and not helpful. It is truly a beautiful city and the scenery was gorgeous! I wish that I could have lived there just for that. But I chose to go elsewhere.

Anybody know of any really cheap motels that are at least clean, not super dumpy in Asheville, NC? besides intownsuites or whatever the name of that one is Hoping for something that is no more then $200 per week tax included.

We are thinking of relocating to either Asheville area or possible Knoxville,Tn area. Can anyone that lives in either of these areas give us some input. I have 3 girls and and in need of a full time job. I live in FL now and have not been able to find full time work in quit awhile. Thanks for any help and advice.